|
|
American Water Spaniel |
Return to
A~ Z index |
|
Description... |
|
 The
American Water Spaniel is a active, muscular dog of medium size.
These dogs stand about 15-18 inches at the shoulder and weigh 25-45
pounds. Females are typically slightly smaller than males in this
breed. The coat of the AWS varies from uniform waves to close curls.
The undercoat of this breed provides warmth in cold weather and in
the water. Oil in the coat provides additional protection in the
water, but may give the AWS a strong odour. The colour of the coat
is either solid liver, brown, or dark chocolate. American Water
Spaniels are active dogs, and without sufficient exercise,
behavioural problems may arise. This breed has somewhat of a
tendency to not be sociable with strangers or children, this is not
true when properly socialized as a puppy. The AWS tends to be
sensitive and slow to mature, a patient and gentle trainer/owner
will get the best results.
|
|
History...
|
|
Developed in the mid-western U.S. as
a hunting dog sometime in the early 1800's. This breed is a good
waterfowl and upland hunting companion.
|
|
Traits...
|
|
Most AWS enjoy activities like
retrieving, swimming, and other hunting type activities. There are
numerous hunting tests that an AWS can compete in. There are special
hunt tests only open to water spaniels, as well as NAHRA, UKC, and
AKC hunt tests. Some AWS are
very versatile and enjoy doing a wide variety of activities or
competitive competitions.
|
|
Good aspects...
|
 American
Water Spaniels tend to be very friendly and outgoing as long as they
are socialized extensively as a puppy. As most sporting breeds, the
AWS is an active dog that enjoys and needs plenty of exercise, they
especially enjoy swimming. If you are looking for a hunting
companion, the AWS does equally well as an upland or waterfowl
hunter, but is not specialized for either one.
|
|
Health...
|
|
As with most dogs this size, hip
dysplasia and eye problems are a concern. Only buy a pup if both
parents have been checked and cleared by OFA and CERF. Skin
conditions are also a problem in this breed.
|
|
Be aware...
|
|
The AWS is a late maturing dog as
well as a sensitive one. A very patient and very soft trainer will
get the best results in training. The AWS does not respond well to
punishment, so luring/guiding techniques are needed to get the
desired results. If force, pressure, or pain is used, the AWS may
develop a number of serious behavior problems. The trainer/owner of
this breed should be creative enough to think of gentle ways to get
good results. Formal obedience training is strongly recommended. An
AWS also needs a place where it can go for an off-leash run or swim
to get the exercise it needs. Behavior problems are very likely to
develop if sufficient exercise is lacking. The coat of the AWS needs
more attention than short-haired dogs and they are moderate
shedders. The oil in their coat may give the dog a foul odour.
|
|
Summary...
|
|
This is a rather primitive breed, and
does not excel at hunting test, trials, and other competitions like
some of the more popular breeds. However, this does not mean the AWS
is not as good as those other breeds, it just means he is different.
Make sure you research this breed before buying, to ensure you know
what you are getting.
|
|
source: petcare information centre-
petcare.umn.edu
|
|
|
|
Further resources... |
|
|
|
|
|
